Assam-based music composer Himangshu Saikia has gained international recognition for his contribution to A Doll Made Up of Clay, selected for the prestigious La Cinef section at the upcoming 78th Festival de Cannes in 2025.
Taking to his official Instagram page, Himangshu wrote: “I’m glad to announce that A Doll Made Up of Clay has been officially selected for La Cinef at @festivaldecannes.
“It was fun composing for this film because it allowed me to work with a genre I’ve always wanted to try but never had the opportunity to. I never thought something I made sitting in my bedroom would end up in a film, let alone be featured at such a prestigious festival. I feel honoured, and I appreciate everything about it. I had a great time and experience working on this project.
“Thank you, and congratulations to the entire team for making this possible!!” he added.
Directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle under the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), A Doll Made Up of Clay is one of only 16 entries chosen globally for the La Cinef category this year — and notably, the only Indian selection. The 23-minute experimental film explores themes of displacement, loss, and cultural resilience through the story of a young Nigerian footballer stranded in India after a career-ending injury.
Driven by ambition, he had sold his father’s land to pursue his dream of playing professional football in India, but the injury left him disillusioned and isolated in an unfamiliar land. Battling physical pain, emotional trauma, and an identity crisis, he gradually reconnects with the spiritual traditions of his ancestors, finding redemption and a renewed sense of meaning.
The 78th Festival de Cannes will take place in May 2025 in France.